What are the determining factors in how a second baseman turns the pivot at second? Meaning go through the bag, pivot at the bag or stepping back off of the bag. Isn't the quickest at the bag?

I teach all of my guys (Travel, HS and college) to go through the bag on everything but a soft flip from the SS. Why? To avoid the runner and get off a quick, strong throw. For the SS, he knows where the 2B likes the feeds EVERYTIME. Key point - when going through the bag...the right foot must land as the ball is hitting the 2B's glove.

Hanging around the bag gets the 2B knocked into LF on many balls.

Stepping back creates momentum away toward RF and doesn't allow for the strongest of throws.

Some of the old school techniques include: Throw to wide left, he steps with the left foot to catch the ball and drags the right foot across the base. plants right foot in front of the bag and strides with the left to make the throw.
If he is late getting to 2nd he might try a cross over pivot. The 2nd baseman makes his approach in as much of a line with 3rd as possible and steps on the bag with his left foot. As he receives the throw he crosses over toward home with right foot. The relay is made as the left foot comes off the bag and strides to first.
The rocker pivot can be used when the throw is late and the runner is close to the bag. To execute, the 2nd baseman waits on the throw from a step behind the bag and to the right field side. As the throw is received he steps on the corner with his left foot, rocks back on the right foot and strides torwards 1st with left to complete the throw. I would recommend this over the sraddle pivot in this situation because in the straddle position he can be upset by a sliding runner.

Posted this in response to another question on MIF play. I highly recommend getting Mark Johnson's (great coach, one of the winningest coaches in college baseball & very knowledgable) video.

Absolutely the best MIF video:

Championship Baseball Series: The Double Play & Special Infield Skills by Mark Johnson

Video website


Very well done series, plenty of actual demonstrations. Great teacher.

quote:

Originally posted by Texan:
Posted this in response to another question on MIF play. I highly recommend getting Mark Johnson's (great coach, one of the winningest coaches in college baseball & very knowledgable) video.

Absolutely the best MIF video:

Championship Baseball Series: The Double Play & Special Infield Skills by Mark Johnson

Video website


Very well done series, plenty of actual demonstrations. Great teacher.

Yes, sir! I ordered it this morning and it's on it's way! Thanks a lot for the info! You have helped me more than once on this site in the short time I've been a member!

Thanks again!

I think you will like not only the way the skills are laid out, but also the drills. Clearly explained, logically ordered. Using real players. No fluff, just solid teaching.

Redbird offered what we always taught. We also insist on the studder step coming to the bag with the hands at chest height. Any bad throws will still have a chance of being handled. Then thru the bag.